Reducing energy use on hot summer days

​If you don’t have an air conditioner, any tips to keep the house cooler during hot summer days are welcome.  However, if you have an air conditioner, many of those same tips can save energy by reducing the time the air conditioner needs to operate to keep your home cool.  In addition to the ideas from the article at the link below, consider:

• A programmable thermostat, or a “learning thermostat” can help you save energy by managing the times and temperature settings that control when your air conditioner operates.  You can do the same thing manually, but you have to remember to change the thermostat frequently to respond to changing conditions. 
• Some electric utilities have programs you can sign up for that allow the utility to cycle your air conditioner on and off on very hot afternoons.  You will likely not notice the difference, but it reduces the energy you use.  
• If you have air conditioning, keep the thermostat set a little higher. 
• Keep the sun and hot air out during the day.  Keep windows closed during the day and then, if it cools off enough at night, you can open them when the outside temperature is cooler than the inside temperature.  The cooler air coming into the house can help cool your house faster at night.  Keep curtains closed on the sunny side of the house.  If you are away from home, keep all the curtains closed. 

https://earth911.com/home-garden/5-home-energy-efficiency-strategies-to-keep-summer-cool